Rewind four months and it looked unlikely that Luis Suarez would start the new season in a Liverpool shirt, but after a summer of speculation over his future, he remains a Liverpool player and their key man at that.

His two goals in the 5-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday took his tally to 16 goals in 11 Premier League games and prompted team-mate Steven Gerrard to label him the best player in the world.

On current form their can be few players in world football to rival the Uruguay international and many are beginning to wonder whether the Uruguayan’s individual brilliance could even spark a title challenge from the Reds.

Goal’s Sam Lee said: “He’s the best player in the Premier League by an absolute distance and some pundits go as far as saying he’s the best in the world on current form.

“He tore Tottenham to bits on Sunday with two goals and laid on the other three for his team-mates. Word was that Roy Hodgson was in the crowd keeping an eye on the striker his England side will face next summer and it can’t have been pleasant viewing.

“Suarez has scored eight goals in his last three games but these two came in a big performance for the Reds, who had not won away from home since September. If he keeps this up he can carry his side to a top-two finish.”

The Shortlist

Neymar – Barcelona Goal’s Alec Fenn: “A hat-trick against Celtic followed by a match-winning double against Villarreal.
Carlos Tevez – Juventus  @Joshcitybriggs: “Tevez has scored a hat-trick. Such a good player #tevez. Goal’s Craig Turnbull: “His first hat-trick for the club was decisive in bouncing back from their European exit.”
Dries Mertens – Napoli @rickpeters123: “Mertens is class!” Goal’s Joe Wright: “Was a thorn in Inter’s side all night on Sunday and deserved his goal in a fine 4-2 win.
Fernandinho – Man City @Abdulbio: “Man of the match #Fernandinho.” Goal’s Chris Myson: “Played 90 minutes in the 3-2 win at Bayern and scored twice as City beat Arsenal 6-3.